“What happens in this house, stays in this house.”
Many Black families have heard this phrase when discussing well-being and mental health. While meant to protect family privacy, it has also contributed to silence and stigma around mental health struggles. Research from Professor Ruth White (2019) at the University of Southern California highlights how systemic racism compounds mental health stressors in the Black community. This reality, coupled with historical distrust of medical institutions, has resulted in Black adults being less likely to seek mental health care. According to the American Psychological Association (APA, 2017), 63% of African Americans perceive stigma as a major barrier to accessing mental health services.
Breaking the Silence: Actionable Steps to Mental Wellness
Here’s how you can challenge stigma and promote mental health within your community:
1. Normalize Mental Health Conversations – Talk openly about mental health with family, friends, and social circles.
2. Engage in Community-Based Support – Attend local mental health workshops or virtual support groups.
3. Seek Guidance from Trusted Community Leaders – Faith-based organizations, pastors, or community elders can provide mental health resources and referrals.
4. Build a Strong Support Network – Surround yourself with trusted family members, friends, or mentors who encourage well-being.
5. Know Your Rights & Resources – Research culturally competent therapists, low-cost mental health services, and available crisis support.
By dismantling stigma and viewing seeking help as a strength rather than a weakness, we can create a culture where mental wellness is prioritized for all.
By Felicia Smith, LCSW
Felicia Smith is a therapist with Mathews Counseling. You can learn more about Felicia here.
All February, we are focusing our blog series around Black History Month and Mental Health in the Black Community. You can find the series here:
Part 1: Sensitivity While Black: Navigating Mental Health as a Black and Highly Sensitive Person
Part 2: Empowering the Community: Breaking the Silence on Mental Health in the Black Community
Part 3: Breaking the Cycle: Healing Generational Trauma in the Black Community
Part 4: Black Joy: Celebrating the Resilience of Mental Health in the Black Community
